Red Sea KH/Alkalinity User manual

Brand: Red Sea

Model: KH/Alkalinity

Type: User manual

REEF CARE PROGRAM

Foundation™

Testing and Supplementing

User Manual

IMPORTANT:

To guarantee accurate results from these highly sensitive

laboratory grade tests the following basic lab practices must

be observed.

Test vial cleanliness - Rinse the vials thoroughly after every

use, as residue from prior tests will affect testing accuracy.

To remove any residue soak the test vials in a weak acid

solution (e.g. citric acid) and thereafter rinse in reverse

osmosis water. Before doing a test always rinse the vial with

some of the water to be tested.

Avoid contamination of the reagent syringes - Always

use the same syringe for each reagent. In the event of

multiple reagent in a syringe, dispose of the contents of the

syringes. Disassemble the syringe and soak all parts in a

week acid solution and thereafter rinse in reverse osmosis

water. Reassemble the syringe, ush with reverse osmosis

water and allow to dry.

Red Sea’s Reef Care Program - Recipes®

The complete Reef Care program is the result of years of research into the physiological

demands of SPS, LPS & Soft Corals in the reef aquarium. Reef Care Recipes® translates

the many years of practical experience with Red Sea’s Reef Care Program on tens of

thousands of diverse reef tanks worldwide into a simple to implement regimen of water

management activities specically for the most common types of hobby reef aquariums.

Water management refers to all of the water related activities such as water changes,

testing and supplementing that needs to be done on a regular basis to ensure the success

of your reef aquarium. This is not just limited to maintaining the ideal balance of the

seawater but also deals with controlling nuisance algae and coral nutrition for their long

term health and vitality.

In addition to the FoundationTM program, which is fully described below, the complete

Reef Care program also includes the following:

Algae Management Program – Controlled nitrate & phosphate reduction that prevents

nuisance algae and provides the ne control of Zooxanthellae populations that

signicantly affect coral growth rates and coloration.

Trace-ColorsTM – Provides the essential minor and trace elements that are part of the

coral skeleton and soft tissue and are specically important for SPS corals to display their

natural pigments.

Reef Energy® – Provides the carbohydrates, vitamins, amino and fatty acids that fuel all

metabolic processes of corals.

For optimal results you should implement the complete program.

The FoundationTM Elements (Ca, KH & Mg)

A successful coral reef aquarium is dependent upon maintaining the appropriate water

parameters that in turn provide the stable environment required by the corals. Although

all the elements found in natural seawater have an important role in providing the

2 | Red Sea | Reef Care Program

optimal water parameters, a few of them have a more signicant role in the overall

stability. These elements are the foundation of the reef environment and they include the

three major elements: Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Bi-Carbonates (HCO3). These 3

elements have a major effect on the water chemistry (pH stability, Alkalinity, sea water

ionic strength) and on many of the coral’s biological processes (skeleton formation, ions

exchange, photosynthesis).

Coral Growth

Coral Growth (Skeletogenesis) is the process by which special cells within the corals soft

tissue, combine the foundation elements together with Strontium and Barium from the

surrounding water to form the building blocks of coral skeletons.

Corals build approximately 90% of their skeleton by combining Ca and CO3 ions from the

water to form Aragonite (CaCO3). The rest of the skeleton is made up from Magnesite

(MgCO3), Strontianite (SrCO3), Calcite (a more brittle crystal structure of CaCO3), Fluorite

(CaF2) and other minor and trace minerals.

In unbalanced conditions such as low levels of Mg and/or Sr the skeleton will develop

with a higher proportion of Calcite making it more brittle and more susceptible to

damage.

The foundation elements complement each other in the formation of coral skeleton and

if not available in the correct ratios one of them will quickly become the limiting factor of

healthy coral growth.

Elevated levels of the foundation elements create a more positive ionic pressure enabling

passive diffusion of the elements through the soft tissue making this process much more

efcient (less energy required per gram of skeleton). Therefore balanced elevated levels

of the foundation elements will result in accelerated coral growth rates.

When aiming to enhance coral coloration by reducing the levels of algae nutrients, lower

balanced levels of the foundation elements should be maintained.

Foundation™ | 3

Optimal levels of the Foundation Elements

Unlike the natural reef environment, where there is an immense reservoir of the

foundation elements, the reef aquarium is an articial environment that is constantly

affected by chemical changes and therefore the foundation elements must be monitored

and replenished constantly. Furthermore, research has shown that the optimal levels of

these elements should be maintained according to the variety and maturity of the specic

coral population.

Optimal levels of salinity, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium according to

type of aquarium

Aquarium Type Supplement

frequency

Salinity

(ppt)

Alkalinity

(dKH meq/l)

(mg/l)

Mixed Reef Daily 34 11.5/4.1 450 1350

SPS Dominant Daily 35 8.0/2.9 430 1280

SPS Frag tank Daily 35 12.6/4.5 465 1390

ULNS Daily 33 7.0/2.5 410 1220

Marine Fish Weekly 30 6.8/2.4 370 1100

Note: The alkalinity is a measure of the concentration of all buffering substances such as bicarbonate

(HCO3), carbonate (CO3), hydroxide (OH) and borate (BO3). Alkalinity is measured in mille equivalents

per liter meq/L or in degrees of Carbonate hardness (dKH = meq/L x 2.8). Avoid using test kits that

measure carbonates as this does not measure total alkalinity.

4 | Red Sea | Reef Care Program

The FoundationTM Supplements

• FoundationTM Calcium+ Contains Calcium, Strontium & Barium in the ratios as found in

coral skeleton.

• FoundationTM KH/Alkalinity Contains Bicarbonates.

• FoundationTM Magnesium Contains Magnesium

• FoundationTM ABC+ Contains Calcium, Strontium, Barium, Bicarbonates, Magnesium,

Potassium, Boron, Iodine & Bromine formulated in the exact ratio as found in the coral

skeleton. This unique powder supplement simplies the daily dosing of more than just

the foundation elements and is recommended for aquariums up to about 300 liters / 75

gallons.

The FoundationTM Test Kits

Calcium Pro test kit is an advanced titration test, measuring the level of calcium to a

resolution of 5 ppm.

KH Alkalinity Pro test kit is an advanced titration test, measuring the level of buffers to a

resolution of 0.05 meq/L (0.14dKH).

Magnesium Pro test kit is an advanced titration test, measuring the level of Magnesium to

a resolution of 20 ppm.

Foundation™ | 5

Testing and Supplementing

Causes and effects of unbalanced levels of foundation elements

• New aragonite substrate - new aragonite surfaces can increase the non-biological

precipitation of calcium and carbonates which will lead to their depletion from the water,

causing a drop in calcium and alkalinity.

• Unbalanced salt mixture - low magnesium or high calcium can lead to alkalinity drops.

• Excessive dosing of calcium or buffer (without dosing magnesium) - Adding too much

calcium (to saturation levels) can lead to a sudden drop in alkalinity. Adding too much

buffer to an aquarium with calcium at saturation levels will cause precipitation, leading

to low calcium levels.

The phenomena listed above are typical to many chemically unbalanced marine and reef

tanks causing stress to the inhabitants as well as to the aquarist. Balanced supplementation

should therefore be implemented to maintain calcium, magnesium and alkalinity at the

recommended levels.

6 | Red Sea | Reef Care Program

General instructions for testing and supplementing:

1. Before carrying out any water testing always check the salinity and make adjustments

as necessary. If you have made adjustments to the water wait 10 minutes for the water

parameters to stabilize. (e.g. 1 ppt increase in salinity due to evaporation of fresh water

will result in approximate increases of 13ppm Ca and 40ppm Mg)

2. Test only with high resolution test kits such as Red Sea’s Foundation™ program (Calcium,

Alkalinity & Magnesium) Pro Titration Kits

3. All of the Red Sea Reef Care Program supplements have dosing charts (on back of

product) based on treating 100 liters / 25 gallons of water. Estimate your total volume of

water (aquarium & sump less volume of live rocks etc) to calculate the correct dosage for

your system.

4. Supplements should be added to the sump. If you do not have a sump, add the

supplements slowly to an area with high water ow to prevent direct contact with sh

and corals.

5. To prevent stress to the corals the maximum daily increases of each of the elements are

as follows: Calcium 20ppm; Alkalinity 0.5 meq/l (1.4 dkh); Magnesium 10ppm. Larger

adjustments should be spread over a few days according to the daily maximum.

6. In order to prevent the effects of unbalanced levels of the foundation elements the

supplements should be added in the following order allowing 10 minutes between each:

1st - Magnesium

2nd - Alkalinity

3rd - Calcium

Foundation™ | 7

Initial adjustment of Foundation Elements to optimal levels

When rst using the Foundation

products or after a water-change, test the levels of the

foundation elements and supplement as necessary to achieve the optimal levels.

Supplementing weekly - (Marine Fish)

Test the foundation elements every week and dose each supplement to replenish back to the

optimal levels.

Supplementing daily

Ensure that all of the foundation elements are at optimal values and run the aquarium for 4 days

at a stable salinity (compensate for evaporation daily by adding fresh water) without adding any

supplements. At the end of the 4 days, test the foundation elements and calculate the “4 day

dosage” of each supplement to replenish back to the optimal levels. Add the “4 day dosage” to

the system. Divide this “4 day dosage” by 4 and use as the daily dosage for the next week.

After a week of adding the daily dosage, test the foundation elements and calculate the

“adjusting dosage” of each supplement to replenish back to the optimal levels.

• If the adjusting dosage is signicantly different from the previous daily dosage amend

(increase/decrease) the daily dosage as appropriate.

• If the measured level of a specic element is above the optimal level wait for the excess of

the element to be depleted before restarting the daily supplementation with the amended

daily dosage.

Continue testing all of the elements every week and make adjustments to the daily dosages

as required. As your corals grow or you add or remove livestock the uptake of the elements

in your aquarium will gradually change. It is recommended to keep a log book of the weekly

measurements and dosages.

If you miss one or more days of supplementing add the complete amount that you have missed

but do not exceed the maximum recommended daily increase for any of the elements.

8 | Red Sea | Reef Care Program

Specic instructions for FoundationTM ABC+

Red Sea’s FoundationTM ABC+ is a uniquely formulated powder supplement containing all of the

elements of FoundationTM Calcium+, KH/Alkalinity & Magnesium, plus Red Sea’s Trace-ColorsTM

Iodine+ & Potassium+ (potassium, boron, iodine & bromine) formulated in the exact ratio as

found in the coral skeleton. Although there are slight differences between the coral species, the

mean ratio between these elements is fairly constant. Supplementing all of these elements in

a xed ratio according to the uptake of calcium will ensure an accurate replenishment based on

the metabolic demands of the corals.

FoundationTM ABC+ should be dosed on a daily basis according to a measured uptake of calcium.

Over time an imbalance may occur between the foundation elements. If dosing daily, test all

of the foundation elements weekly and make adjustments with the individual Calcium+, KH/

Alkalinity & Magnesium supplements.

Note: Only supplement the elements included in Trace-Colors Iodine+ and Potassium+ according

to measured uptake of iodine and potassium.

FoundationTM ABC+ should be added directly to the sump and not dissolved in top-up water.

Do not use FoundationTM ABC+ to make periodic adjustments to the calcium level.

Do not add more than 60g of FoundationTM ABC+ at one time to any system irrespective of

size. Larger doses can be added in 10 minute intervals between spoons to allow the powder to

dissolve without causing precipitation.

Foundation™ | 9

Making stock solutions from FoundationTM Calcium+,

KH/Alkalinity & Magnesium powder supplements

To produce stock solutions, dissolve the powder in RO water as follows:

Metric USA

Supplement

Concentration of

stock solution

Dosage

g/liter

Dissolve 1kg of

powder in (liters)

Dosage

oz/pint

Dissolve 2.2lb of

powder in (pints)

Foundation™

Calcium+

1 ml/100 liters

=2ppm Ca 550 1.82 9.2 3.8

Foundation™

KH/Alkalinity

1 ml/100 liters =

0.012meq/l 0.034dKH 100 10 1.7 21

Foundation™

Magnesium

1 ml/100 liters

= 1ppm Mg 600 1.67 10 3.5

Measuring spoon for FoundationTM ABC+ & powder supplements:

20 g / 0.7 oz 2 g / 0.07 oz

10 | Red Sea | Reef Care Program

Important notes for using the FoundationTM Pro Titration Test Kits

• Before testing clean the glass vial and the large syringe by rinsing with the water to be

tested.

• After testing rinse all syringes and vials with RO or distilled water before storing. If vials are

left unwashed a residue can form that will affect the results of future tests. Use a slightly

acidic solution such as vinegar to remove the residue.

• In order to ensure an accurate drop size always hold reagent bottle vertically above the

test vial, and gently squeeze out each drop.

• Close all reagents tightly immediately after use.

• The test reagents are stable up to the date stated on the pack when stored closed between

15 – 25 °C.

• Store the reagents in the plastic box to prevent damage from prolonged exposure to light.

Note for lling the 1ml titration syringe:

Raise the plunger of the syringe until the

bottom ring of the plunger (see arrow

in diagram) is at the 1.0 ml mark. The

surface of the liquid will be approximately

0.1 – 0.15 ml below the plunger.

Do not try to remove the air trapped

between the liquid and the plunger. This

small volume of air corresponds to the

liquid held inside the plastic tip.

Initial

position

1.0 ml

mark Final

position

the bottom

ring of the

plunger

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

Foundation™ | 11

Directions for Magnesium Pro Test Kit

1. Using the large syringe provided, place exactly 2 ml of the water to be tested into the glass

vial.

2. Add 5 drops of Mg Pro Reagent A, shaking the vial for 15 seconds after each drop.

3. Add 5 drops of Mg Pro Reagent B and mix the reagent gently with the water sample.

4. Screw the glass vial onto the bottom of the Titrator and wait for approx 60 seconds for the

test sample to obtain the titration start color as shown on the instruction card. A precipitate

will form on the bottom of the vial.

5. Ensure that the dispensing tip is on the 1 ml titration syringe and ll with 1ml of Magnesium

Pro Titrant (C). [see note for lling titration syringe.]

6. Insert the syringe into the center of the Titrator so that the volumetric scale on the side of

the syringe is visible. The graduations of the volumetric scale are 0.01 ml, equivalent to 20

ppm of magnesium.

7. Add the rst 0.4 ml of titrant (equivalent to 800ppm of magnesium) by pressing the plunger

of the syringe while gently swirling the Titrator. Continue adding the titrant gradually,

swirling the Titrator after each addition and paying attention to the color in the vial. As the

color in the vial approaches the end color as shown on the instruction card, add one drop at

a time, swirling after each drop, until the blue end color is rst achieved.

Note: Shortly after the blue end color is achieved the liquid in the vial will turn from blue

to violet. Do not continue adding titrant. If you have used more than 0.8ml of titrant you

may have missed the end point and should redo the test.Note the amount of titrant used

(according to the initial and nal position of the plunger not the liquid surface) and use the

table on the instruction card to calculate the level of magnesium in the water sample.

8. Return any unused quantity of titrant to the Magnesium Pro Titrant C bottle.

12 | Red Sea | Reef Care Program

Directions for KH Alkalinity Pro Test Kit

1. Using the large syringe provided, place exactly 10 ml of the water to be tested into

the glass vial.

2. Screw the glass vial onto the bottom of the Titrator.

3. Ensure that the dispensing tip is on the 1 ml titration syringe and ll with 1ml of

Alkalinity Pro Titrant. [see note for lling titration syringe.]

4. Insert the syringe into the center of the Titrator so that the volumetric scale on the

side of the syringe is visible. The graduations of the volumetric scale are 0.01 ml,

equivalent to an alkalinity of 0 .05 meq/L (0.14 dKH).

5. Add the rst 0.4 ml of titrant (equivalent to an alkalinity of 2.0 meq/L – 5.6 dKH) by

pressing the plunger of the syringe while gently swirling the Titrator. The test sample

will obtain the titration start color as shown on the instruction card after the rst few

drops of titrant are added. Continue adding the titrant gradually, swirling the Titrator

after each addition and paying attention to the color in the vial. As the color in the

vial approaches the end color as shown on the instruction card, add one drop at a

time, swirling after each drop, until the end color is achieved.

Note: If you have added 1 ml of alkalinity titrant, without reaching the end color, the

alkalinity of your water sample is more than 5 meq/L (14 dKH). Rell the syringe and

continue to add titrant until you reach the end color.

6. Note the amount of titrant used (according to the initial and nal position of the

plunger not the liquid surface) and use the table on the instruction card to calculate

the level of alkalinity in the water sample.

7. Dispose of any unused quantity of titrant.

Foundation™ | 13

Directions for Calcium Pro Test Kit

1. Using the large syringe provided, place exactly 5 ml of the water to be tested into the

glass vial.

2. Add 5 drops of Calcium Pro Reagent A and mix gently with the water sample.

3. Add a leveled measuring spoon of Calcium Pro Reagent B, close the vial with the cap and

shake for 20 seconds. The test sample will now have the titration start color as shown on

the instruction card.

4. Screw the glass vial onto the bottom of the Titrator.

5. Ensure that the dispensing tip is on the 1 ml titration syringe and ll with 1ml of Calcium

Pro Titrant (C). [see note for lling titration syringe.]

6. Insert the syringe into the center of the Titrator so that the volumetric scale on the side of

the syringe is visible. The graduations of the volumetric scale are 0.01 ml, equivalent to 5

ppm of calcium.

7. Add the rst 0.6 ml of titrant (equivalent to 300ppm of calcium) by pressing the plunger of

the syringe while gently swirling the Titrator. Continue adding the titrant gradually, swirling

the Titrator after each addition and paying attention to the color in the vial. As the color

in the vial approaches the end color as shown on the instruction card, add one drop at a

time, swirling after each drop, until the end color is achieved.

Note: If you have added 1 ml of Calcium Titrant C, without reaching the end color, the

calcium concentration of your water sample is more than 500 ppm. Rell the syringe and

continue to add titrant until you reach the end color.

8. Note the amount of titrant used (according to the initial and nal position of the plunger

not the liquid surface) and use the table to calculate the level of calcium in the water

sample.

9. Return any unused quantity of titrant to the Calcium Pro Titrant C bottle.

#24653 _v21a

Red Sea U.S.A

4687 World Houston Parkway #200

Houston, TX 77032

U.S.A

Tel: +1 281 447 0205

support.usa@redseash.com

Red Sea Europe

655 Rue des Frères Lumière

27130 Verneuil d’Avre et

d’Iton, France

Tel: +33 2 32 37 71 37

support.fr@redseash.com

Red Sea Aquatics (UK)

PO Box 1237

Cheddar, BS279AG

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)203 3711492

uk.info@redseash.com

Red Sea Deutschland

Büro Deutschland

Prinzenallee 7 (Prinzenpark)

40549 Düsseldorf

Tel: +33 (0)2 32 37 71 37

support.de@redseash.com

Red Sea KH/Alkalinity User manual

Red Sea KH/Alkalinity User manual

Red Sea KH/Alkalinity User manual

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